NNPCL Partners Indorama For Supply Of 800 Million Scuff Of Gas

September 17, 2023

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Africa Indorama Energy Petrochemical Ltd. to supply 800 million scuff of gas to promote industrialisation in Nigeria.

The Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC, Malam Mele Kyari, who made this known during the signing of the MoU in Abuja today, September 17, said that the aim of the MoU was to ensure that Nigeria’s abundant gas resources are harnessed.

According to him, the project is expected to contribute common revenue of 3.8 billion dollars annually to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and up to 18 billion dollars in its lifecycle.

He said that the project would boost downstream production of about 4.8 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) of products including methanol, urea, and fertiliser.

Mele said that it would also create about 55,000 jobs, develop a condensate refinery to boost petroleum product supply and reduce product importation.

He expressed satisfaction with the commitment of Indorama, which would invest at least seven billion dollars in the project at the initial stage.

He said that President Bola Tinubu’s directive was very clear and also aligned with the determination of NNPCL to ensure delivery on its gasification project. “Because gas is available, we must make it available so that industries can come up; power and resources can be created, ultimately employment can be created and economy will boom.

“There is a huge connection between harnessing gas resources and this.

“My team and I will do everything possible to deliver this huge project.”

According Mele, Nigeria is on the threshold of getting value out of gas, and NNPC is currently pursuing many large scale gas projects with the determination to achieve progress.

The Managing Director and CEO of Indorama, Manish Mundara, said that the company had proven track record in partnerships with NNPC for over 16 years.

He asaid that the two of them had worked together in petrochemicals and fertiliser, and that the strategic collaboration had delivered world class projects.

“Nigeria’s gas reserves and its strategic location should position it as one of the largest producers of urea, ammonia, methanol and petrochemicals polymers.

“While we are working together on gas resources, we will partner the downstream and invest in at least two more lines of fertiliser, two lines of methanol and one big petrochemical project, among others.

“This will make Nigeria one of the largest producers of urea in Africa and the Western Hemisphere.

“The ball is rolling now, it’s our responsibility to work together and distribute benefits of industrialisation.”

Earlier, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer in NNPCL Upstream Investment Management Service (NUIMS), Bala Wunti said that the scope of the MoU involved assurance for gas delivery to meet the gas based industry. “Overall, we anticipate that at the peak of the project, about 800 million scope of gas will be made available for domestic use, part of which will be used to provide the needed quantity of gas by Indorama.

“And the balance will be supplied to the domestic market to meet power demand, commercial and other activities, particularly in the eastern part of the country.”

Source: NAN.

Oba Akanbi Angry With Ex President Obasanjo, Fellow Obas Over Desecration Of Yoruba Stools

Greenbarge Reporters

September 16, 2023

The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, has expressed anger and shock over the action of the former President, Olusegun Obasanjo for ordering the traditional rulers at a function to stand up and honour him. He also blamed the Obas for obeying Obasanjo because they belong to secret societies.
In a statement by his press secretary today, September 16, Oluwo described Obasanjo’s display as condemnable, saying it was an affront, desecration and sacrilege against revered stools of Yorubaland.
“An injury to one is an injury to all. Yoruba traditional rulers are not uniform men anyone can command at will.
“I don’t blame him; those royal fathers who stood up to obey such an embarrassing direction are to be blamed.
“Yoruba traditional institutions demand an apology for the open desecration to molest and bring down the institution. He needs to prove himself as a core Yoruba man with an apology letter.
“Kings are not toddlers. We are fathers. He will never dare that against the Northern Emirs.”
He said that Obasanjo’s action should be a great challenge to Yoruba, most especially the royal fathers.
“This is the result when monarchs joined Ogboni confraternity and became junior to a road side mechanical engineer or carpenter. As a responsible monarch, you don’t have to join any secret society where you may be controlled by a teacher or even a herbalist.”
“I trust myself and my stool. At death, there are certain things my soul will not take let alone when alive, active and kicking. I only blame the monarchs who stood in obeisance to such an ignoble and desecrating of traditional institutions from the old man. Respect should be earned not demanded.
“Traditional rulers respect their subjects too. There is a way respect is accorded to people of old age and position by monarchs. Kingship is an institution of God. As such, relating with kings requires a high sense of modesty, courtesy and respect.”
On Friday, Obasanjo, at the opening of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology College of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources in Iseyin, Oyo State, thundered at the monarchs to stand up to honour him as he mounted the podium to speak.

We’ve Not Lifted Visa Ban On Nigerians – UAE Official

September 16, 2023

A United Arab Emirates (UAE) official has made it clear that visa ban imposed on Nigerian travelers has not been lifted.

According to CNN, the official from the Gulf state disclosed this in a chat

The source, who asked not to be named was quoted as saying: “there are no changes on the Nigeria/UAE travel status so far.”

The Nigerian Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, had claimed that the visa ban was lifted after President Bola Tinubu met with Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, his UAE counterpart, on Monday.

In a statement issued after the meeting, Ajuri had said: “President Bola Tinubu and President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Monday in Abu Dhabi, have finalised a historic agreement, which has resulted in the immediate cessation of the visa ban placed on Nigerian travellers.

“Furthermore, by this historic agreement, both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines are to immediately resume flight schedules into and out of Nigeria, without any further delay.”

But the UAE authorities were silent on these issues in a statement they issued after the meeting, fueling suspicion among Nigerians.

In its statement, the Middle East country said Nigeria and the UAE would work together to reinforce their ties and explore opportunities for further bilateral collaborations.

Apparently reacting to the controversy created by his initial comment, Ngelale had said that officials from both countries needed more time to finalise agreement details, a pure contradiction of his previous statement that the issue had been resolved.

“Given the agreement struck between the two Heads of State, there is need to allow cabinet officials from both sides to work out the finer details and finalize the cross-sectoral agreements,” he said, adding that “Everyone can now allow the process to work itself out organically, devoid of speculation.”

Asked to react to the visa ban and flight resumption issue during the Aviation Africa Summit in Abuja on Thursday, Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, said there was no timeframe.

He had said: “So, we are beginning to work out all the tiny details. I have met with Emirate before I left UAE, and we are working out the details. We cannot say the time frame. Kicking off an airline operation again on a route, does not mean you will go and grab one empty plane sitting in a place.”

Source: Daily Trust

Minister Idris Calls On Nigerians To Unite To Enjoy Dividend Of Democracy

Editorial staff

September 15, 2023

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammed Idris, has called for collective unity amongst people to achieve the dividend of democracy.

He said that democracy is nothing if it doesn’t bring progress, development and unity among the people.

The Minister, who spoke when the APC North-Central Zone visited him in his office, said: “it was for this reason that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is constantly promoting the dual concepts of unity and economic prosperity to our people. As the chief image maker of Nigeria, that is the message I am also disseminating.

“National re-orientation is at the heart of the change and hope that we all desire for this country; each one of us has the responsibility to recover his steps and do the right thing.”

He called on the party members to unite and engage more so that they can achieve great things for the country.

Idris stressed the need for the party to galvanize people towards a common understanding and shared vision for what the country should be, and that this could be achieved through the party machinery across all levels.

The National Vice Chairman of the APC, North Central, Alhaji Bawa Rijau, on behalf of the National Working Committee of the party and Zonal Executives, congratulated the Minister on his appointment.

He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing one of their own, saying that this is a clear indication that the president appreciated the role Alhaji Idris played during the campaign.

The delegation assured the Minister of their support at all times, even as they asked him to work with his colleagues in the cabinet to fast-track development in the zone.

“The North Central zone did very well in the last election, and because of this, we expect you and your cabinet colleagues to work together to ensure that the interests of the North Central are protected.”

NNPCL Made N18.4 Billion Profit From Acquisition Of OVH Energy – Mele

Editorial staff

September 15, 2023

Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Malam Mele Kyari, has disclosed that the company has made N18.4 billion in the first quarter of 2023 after acquiring OVH Energy.

Mele Kyari, who addressed the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on the OVH Acquisition by the NNPCL toay, September 15, said: “We are happy with the acquisition of OVH. For instance, in 2021 before the acquisition, NNPC Retail made N6.93bn profit. But in one quarter after the acquisition; first Qtr 2023, we made a profit of N18.4bn.

“NNPCL is a creation of the federation with over 200 million Nigerians as shareholders. The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) also grants us the mandate to guarantee national energy security. On this basis, it is duty-bound on us to increase our market share.

“Allegations against the acquisition of OVH are painful because they are not true. We believe that the only way we can grow our market share is by expanding our business. Since the acquisition of OVH, the profit margin of NNPC Retail has jumped.

“In every merger and acquisition, there is a transition period. We are rising to those challenges brought about by the transition. We are also ensuring that none of our staff at NNPC Retail is victimized. Staff are placed where they are best fit towards optimum performance.”

It would be recalled that in October 2022, the NNPCL acquired Oando retail brand, OVH Energy Marketing.

OVH Energy is the owner and operator of the Oando branded retail service stations, and was merged with NNPC Retail Limited.

According to OVH Energy, the strategic move aims at creating the leading downstream energy company in Nigeria and West Africa.

The acquisition added 380 filling stations to the NNPC retail outlets nationwide which amounted to almost 1,500 retail stations at the time.

Other assets included a reception jetty with 240,000 metric tons monthly capacity, 8 liquefied petroleum gas plants, 3 lube blending plants, 3 aviation depots, and 12 warehouses.

Source: Persecondnews

BREAKING: New CBN Governor, Dr. Olayemi Michael Cardoso Emerges

Greenbarge Reporters

September 15, 2023

A renowned banker, chartered stockbroker and public policy maker, Dr. Olayemi Michael Cardoso has been picked to be the new Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Dr. Olayemi , whose name has been forwarded to the Senate for confirmation by President Bola Tinubu will serve for a term of five years at the first instance.
A statement today, September 15, by a presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale said that the appointment of Dr. Olayemi is in conformity with Section 8 (1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, which vests in the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the authority to appoint the Governor and Four Deputy Governors for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), subject to confirmation by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dr. Olayemi Micheal Cardoso had served as the former chairman of Citibank Nigeria and was the Commissioner for Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget.
The President also approved the nomination of four new Deputy Governors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for a term of five years at the first instance, pending their confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.
They are Mrs. Emem Nnana Usoro, Muhammad Sani Abdullahi Dattijo, Philip Ikeazor and Dr. Bala M. Bello.
The statement said that the President expects the new CBN chieftains to successfully implement critical reforms at the apex bank to enhance the confidence of Nigerians and international partners in the restructuring of the Nigerian economy toward sustainable growth and prosperity for all.

Labour Party, Peter Obi Thrive On Lies – Wole Soyinka

Editorial staff

September 14, 2023

File photo: Wole Soyinka
| PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP/Getty Images)

A renowned playwright Professor Wole Soyinka has accused the Labour Party (LP) of lying to Nigerians that its presidential candidate Peter Obi won the February 25 election.

According to figures by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Peter Obi came third in the poll behind Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, Obi and the LP have insisted the elections were fraudulent and that Tinubu should be disqualified.

Speaking at an event themed “The Lives of Wole Soyinka – A Dialogue” organised by Africa in the World in Stellenbosch, South Africa, Soyinka said the truth matters to him, but many people always look for shortcuts.

He accused the LP of taking over the organised labour movement in the build-up to the 2023 election.

The Nobel laureate noted that Obi achieved “something remarkable” by breaking the monopoly of power established by the APC and the PDP.

“This recent election – two things happened first of all. One party took over the labour movement, which is not my favourite movement, and then it became a regional party.

“Whereas it was a marvellous breach into the established two camps. Peter Obi achieved something remarkable there, that he broke that mould. However, he did not win the election.

“I can say categorically that Peter Obi’s party came third not even second and the leadership knew it but they want to do what we call in Yoruba ‘gbajue’, that is force of lies.”

Baba-Ahmed threatened judiciary, Soyinka insists

Soyinka also alleged that the LP leadership attempted to mobilise young people to protest against the outcome of the election on the “banner of lies and deceit.

“They were going to send some of the hardliners, proud young people into the street to demonstrate.

“I’m also ready to be among such demonstrators but only on the banner of truth not on lies, and deceit.

“This party wanted the same thing (referring to 2011 post-election violence) to happen on the basis of a lie and we find this vice-presidential candidate on television boasting, insisting, threatening and trying to intimidate both the judiciary and the rest.

“What kind of government will result from that kind of conduct? In addition, they did not know this but they were being used.

“Before the election, there were certain clandestine forces, including some ex-generals, who were already calling for an interim government before the elections began.

“Some of them were known figures, including a proprietor of a university calling for an interim government before the election took place.”

This is not the first time Soyinka will be criticising the LP.

In March, he clashed with the party when he accused its vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, of making “fascist” comments on the outcome of the presidential election.

Federal Inland Revenue Gets New Chairman, As Nami Proceeds On Retirement Leave

Editorial staff

September 14, 2023

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has gotten Zacch Adedeji as the new Acting Executive Chairman, even as Muhammed Nami, who has been Executive Chairman is asked to proceed on three month of pre-retirement leave

A statement today, September 14, by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale said that the President has approved the new appointment.

The statement said that the three month pre-retirement leave for Nami is in accordance to the provision of Public Service Rule (PSR) 120243.

Nami is therefore to formally retire from service on December 8, 2023.

The appointment of the new acting executive chairman, according to the statement, is for a 90-day period before his subsequent confirmation and to serve for a term of four years in the first instance.

It said that Zacch Adedeji is a first-class graduate in accounting from the Obafemi Awolowo University. He most recently served the nation as the Special Adviser to the President on Revenue after serving as the Oyo State Commissioner of Finance and as the Executive Secretary / CEO of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC).

Kogi: Parade Of Tribal Warlords In Nov. 11 Guber Poll, By Yusuf Ozi Usman

Greenbarge Reporters

September 14, 2023

The picture of uncertainty is becoming clearer as November 11 gubernatorial election in Kogi State approaches. From what looked like a clean process in the beginning, the Igala and Egbira in particular have now taken a clearer and dangerous position on what would happen in the election, which is less than two months from now.
When Usman Ahmed Ododo emerged as governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), via the deft moves of Governor Yahaya Bello of the same APC, the coast seemed clear that he had no strong opponent. The circumstances leading to the emergence of Ododo, of course, is another story entirely.
However, Alhaji Murtala Ajaka took the ticket of virtually nonedescript Social Democratic Party (SDP) and entered town with a message that had the signature of “we and them.”
With the mentality of Igala tribe which he belongs to, being in majority and the fears built in the psyche of the locals, and even some enlightened ones, Ajaka has been able to bring about the thinking of tribal warfare into the contest.
So much is this element promoted that now, the three major contestants in the November 11 gubernatorial election are clearly representing the three major tribes in the State: Dino Melaye of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the Yoruba speaking Okun; Usman Ahmed Ododo for the Egbira speaking area and Muritala Ajaka for the Igala speaking area.

The message has been passed and made to sink that anyone in the tribe of the candidate coming from that tribe who votes for the candidate from another tribe is “a slave.”
The issue is so complicated that even traditional rulers or prominent persons who as much as smile in the direction of the candidate from another tribe are tagged betrayers.
The tribal politics has now buried the Politics of superior ideas on what to do for the development of the state beyond what it is today.
As a matter of fact, the major campaign message has, mainly been on the need for the tribes fighting tooth and nail not to fall into the category of subjugation or marginalization.
Ajaka, from day one, had never hidden the idea that he had emerged as a purely Igala protesting candidate against Egbira candidate, whom he openly tagged “enemies.” He once called on the Okun people, in a media interaction, to rally round him to defeat the “enemies.”
Of course, Ajaka is relying heavily and purely on the principle of being in the “majority tribe” to win the election, far from the point of belonging to the little known SDP for the position of governor in the State.

Similarly, even though Ododo is also, as an individual, a little known in the State’s politics, the party, APC, on which back he’s heading to the election, rely heavily and purely on the incumbency of his “godfather,” Governor Yahaya Bello. Dino Melaye seems to be the only one, though riding on the back of another bigger Party, PDP, that does not have any tangible pillar to lean on.
The dirty fight between Ododo and Ajaka along tribal lines seems to be setting the State on the path to serious developmental deficit. It looks clearly that an average Igala person would regard the victory of Ajaka at the November poll first and foremost, as a loud confirmation of the Igala superiority in the State, the same way the victory of Ododo will be seen as a confirmation of the superiority of Egbira people. No less also is the victory of Dino Melaye to the Okun people, even though his victory looks remote, except with the divine arrangement. All such line of thinking blure the main issues about the development of the State.
The concern of the people outside the cocoon of tribalism is not just the dangers looming in November election, which will definitely come and go, but the life, long after the election.
In the ways the tribal political gladiators and the tribal warlords that pass for party candidates are going, what kind of relationship that will even evolve amongst the major and minor tribes in the State after the election and after the winner emerged?
The main issues around why the leadership is being chosen, such as development of education, Infrastructures, healthcare, agriculture and many others are likely to suffer neglec because they have not been articulated by the tribal candidates of the political parties in their campaigns.

Kogi State cannot and will not survive and thrive in a situation where candidates campaig and try to win election on premordial cleavages. The dangers are multiple, including planting permanent enmity amongst the various tribes, slanted development plans if any by the winner, undermining the rights of other tribes in many negative ways, and other unseen dangers.
Less than two months to the election, can there be any means to douse the flame of such dangers?
We expect political elders from the three tribal groups and from different political leanings to shed off their tribal sentiments and quickly wade in and douse this flame for the purpose of bringing about sanity and to secure a healthy, directional future for the State.

If they pretend that such dangers do not exist or that the State will cross the bridge when it gets to it (solve the problems after winning or losing election), that can be seen as short-sightedness or a deliberate act of wickedness to the people of the State, including whatever tribal group they represent. And it may be too late to reverse the consequences.

Saudi Club Signs In Nigeria’s Super Falcons’ Defender, Plumptre

Editorial staff

September 14, 2023

A Saudi Arabian Football Club, Al-Ittihad Ladies, have announced the signing-in of a Super Falcons’ defender, Ashleigh Plumptre, though the details are yet to be revealed.

The 25-year-old Plumptre had left Leicester City at the end of last season following the expiration of her contract. She spent three years at Leicester City, netting three times in 62 league appearances.

The star footballer took to her X handle today, September 13, to express her delight over the move by the Saudi Arabian Club.

She wrote: “Grateful to have signed for Al-Ittihad Excited to start this journey alongside some incredible human beings.”

She concluded by saying: “My journey of stepping into more of myself continues… It’s more than football .”

Source: Prompt News online.

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